New "Wireless" Charging Device from Powermat

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This week, I've been testing out the new Powermat "wireless" charging device, which went on sale at Best Buy and Target on Sunday. I put wireless in quotes, because you have to plug the mat into an electrical socket, so there is technically a wire involved. But the good news is the mat charges up to three gadgets at once.

Here's how it works: As is with the case with the Wildcharge "wireless" charging mat, you can't simply plop your gadget on the mat and get a miraculous charge. Instead, you'll need to buy a receiver case or battery door receiver for your specific make of phone or use a small plastic universal receiver that comes with a variety of plugs and sits on the charger. When you put a device or a universal receiver on the mat, it makes a noise and a white light comes on to let you know your gadget is charging. There's also a slight gravitational pull that directs the devices to the right area on the mat, which is very helpful.

The Powermat comes in a desktop version and a handy portable version that folds up and fits in a small carrying case that you can toss in your bag when you're on the go. It's a bit heavy, so I wouldn't want to carry it around every day, but it would be fine for a business trip. I used both versions to charge my iPhone (using the special case) and a bluetooth headset (using the universal receiver). I definitely liked being able to simply place my phone on the mat and be done with it. Having to plug a device into the universal receiver is more of a hassle (more wires!). Also, the mat takes just as long to charge devices as a traditional charger, so there are no time savings involved.

The bottom line: The mat gave my phone and headset a good charge and kept things neat and tidy, but dealing with the universal receiver is a bit of a pain. The mat would be good for someone who uses multiple gadgets on a regular basis and likes to be organized.

Price:
Desktop Powermat: $99
Travel Powermat: $99
iPhone Receiver Cases: $39.99
Blackberry Battery Door Receivers: $29.99
Universal Receiver: $29.99
iPod Charging Dock: $39.99

The Goods is focused exclusively on products and services for business owners. We won't ignore the latest netbook or the hottest smartphone, but we'll also examine the services, software, and Web-based tools that can help make your business succeed. Nadine Heintz, a senior editor at Inc., edits The Goods, as well as Quick Hits. Send suggestions, comments, and deals to nheintz@inc.com.